central-wan chai reclamation a case study of sustainable development

Central-Wan Chai Reclamation

A case study of sustainable development

Why is reclamation necessary in Central and Wan Chai?

to provide land for transport land use, e.g. the Hong Kong Station of the Airport Railway and the extended overrun tunnel of the Airport Railway; Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link; future Shatin to Central Link; future North Hong Kong Island Line; To provide land for recreational purpose, e.g. construction of a world class waterfront promenade;to improve the environment of adjoining crowded districts by providing additional open space on the new reclamation; andto integrate the development with the existing area.

Project detailsAt present three projects are completed. They include: Central Reclamation Phase I (Hong Kong Station

of the Airport Railway) Central Reclamation Phase II (Tamar Basin) Wan Chai Reclamation Phase I (HK Convention

Exhibition Centre Extension)

In addition to the above completed works, the remaining two projects are: Central Reclamation Phase III (Star Ferry & Tamar

Extension Reclamation) Wan Chai Development Phase II

Waterfront promenade

Other related issues

construction of HKSAR Government Headquarters construction of Central-Wan Chai Bypass

Turning Tamar site to recreational area

Increase space for recreationImprove air qualityReduce building densityAlleviate the urban heat island effectHelp building a feeling of community if space can allow mass activity participation

Locational disadvantages of the old Gov’t Headquarters

Small and limited spaceExpansion is not possibleHigh cost of redevelopment

Locational advantages of Tamar site

Has the advantage of high centrality / accessibility

To the east, it connects to the cultural, performance arts and conventional facilitiesTo the south, it connects to the financial, commercial, business and tourism hubs

To the southwest, it connects to the area which is rich in historical and of heritage values

Coastal flatland available for development / relatively crowded than the old site

Further expansion is possible from reclamation

Good scenic views along Victoria Harbour

Is it a sustainable development?

It will become a new landmark in Hong Kong, e.g. favourable for tourismLand price of the surrounding buildings may increaseLand value of surrounding buildings may decrease because they are near to government (institutional) uses and not the competitive commercial complexWith better traffic arrangement, traffic congestion will be alleviatedFavour the development on the HK Island sideProvide more job opportunitiesMore land for building / office supplyEase the unemployment problemNegative impacts

Major principles of development

Minimize impact on physical environmentPreserve the public resource – harbourProvide recreational land use or open space

Central-Wan Chai Bypass

Central-Wan Chai By-passEconomic benefits

Reduce time costSave time for deliveryFavour for logistics development

Drawbacks

High construction costNo toll fee is collected

Central-Wan Chai By-passSocial benefits

Higher accessibility to attract business more convenient, divert traffic flowreduce traffic congestion in Causeway Bay / Wan Chaireduce travel timeimprove the coastal area’s land planning in North pointReclamation work includes waterfront promenade

Negative social impacts

Require reclamationMay face strong public oppositionblock the Victoria harbour’s view

Central-Wan Chai By-pass

Environmental benefits

Provide an elegant place for pedestrians to walk--improve air quality—better ventilating system in the tunnel-- drivers breath fresh air

Environmental impacts

--Reclamation-> Water pollution--VC(victoria harbour) narrowedlow-lying area in sheung wan will be flooded -- pollution during the construction period